Ibrahim Sudais Koroma, AYV News – March 25, 2026
The Hassan Alpha Timbo Foundation has officially launched a landmark Quranic Recitation Competition aimed at revitalizing Arabic education across all 13 sections of Sanda Tandaren chiefdom. The historic event took place at Rokulan town Mosque on Friday, March 20, 2026, immediately following Juma prayers, drawing a large turnout of religious leaders, local chiefs, journalists, and community stakeholders.
The initiative seeks to restore focus on Arabic learning among children and youth, ensuring that Islamic education continues to thrive in the Chiefdom. To support the program, the Foundation provided NLe10,000 in start-up funds to local religious leaders to help them motivate and train students for the competition, scheduled for next year’s Ramadan. Winners, runners-up, and participants will be rewarded with prizes, scholarships, and other educational incentives.
Mohamed Munu, Director of the Foundation, expressed appreciation for the support and participation of the community. “Our mission is to reignite Arabic education, which has seen a decline in recent years. We are encouraging Imams, parents, and community members to join us in this historic effort to benefit present and future generations,” Munu said.
The Chiefdom Chief Imam, Mohamed Amin Jalloh, highlighted the need for collective responsibility to make the program successful. He noted that although 85% of Sanda Tandaren residents are Muslim, youth participation in religious activities has been declining. “Arabic education is vital for the continuity of our faith, and this initiative is the first of its kind in the chiefdom,” he said.
Founder and CEO of the Foundation, Hassan Alpha Timbo, said the competition was inspired by his observation of waning focus on Islamic education in the region. He pledged full financial and logistical support, including Quranic recitation materials, blackboards, Islamic dressings, and solar panels for classrooms, to ensure the program’s success.
Religious leaders will also conduct planning meetings in all villages to further strengthen the initiative, with hopes of making it a sustainable legacy and potentially attracting support from Arab nations, Guinea, and other partners in Islamic advancement.
“This program will motivate children and youth, preserve Islamic heritage, and create a lasting impact on our communities,” Timbo said. “It is a patriotic and spiritual investment that will empower lives and advance our society.”
The Hassan Alpha Timbo Foundation’s Quranic Recitation Competition represents a significant step toward reviving Arabic education, strengthening Islamic values, and fostering community development across Sanda Tandaren chiefdom.
